DCLM Sincere Milk 4 April 2022 — The prayer of Jabez
DCLM Sincere Milk 4 April 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — The prayer of Jabez
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TOPIC: THE PRAYER OF JABEZ
BIBLE TEXT: 1 CHRONICLES 4:9,10
10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
KEY VERSE: “And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested” (1 Chronicles 4:10).
MESSAGE
Parents usually like to give names to their children based on the conditions that surround their birth. For believing parents, they love giving the children names that show forth God’s power, love, help and greatness.
Do you know the meaning of your name? If not, ask your parents the meaning and what informed the choice of that name. Many people, especially those who do not know God, allow the history of the circumstances around their birth to hinder their progress in life.
In the passage today, we saw the case of Jabez whose name means “He causes pain”. His mother gave him the name on account of her sufferings at his birth. Poor woman! She was ignorant of the plan and purpose of God for her son. She then gave him a sorrowful name. Yet, Jabez rose above the sadness surrounding his birth, prayed like Jacob, until his name was changed and he became more honourable than his brethren. What happened to Jabez after his prayers should serve as a lesson to all of us.
Were you born with sorrow? Is your life like that of Jabez? Are you facing difficulties and disappointment of life, and feel your case is hopeless? Stop blaming anyone for your troubles and take your situation to God in prayer. He will touch your life and change your situation, and you will be honourable in life.
PRAYER: O Lord, transform my life and change my sorrow to joy.
FURTHER READING: James 5:13-18
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
